All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. Todos estos eventos son gratuitos excepto donde se indique.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
VDOE Learning Acceleration Grants
Grants of $1500 or $3000 are available for tutoring of K-12 children in many school subjects and support services.
Apply: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/k-12-learning-acceleration-grants
Plan Ahead — Tech Camp: Tech for Independent Living
Tue. Aug. 9 to Fri. Aug. 12, in-person and virtual multiple formats
Individuals with I/DD and a family member receive training on using apps for travel, employment, safety, and activities of daily living.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/techcamp/
An Open Conversation with Temple Grandin: Autism Expert, Author, and Scientist
Tue. Aug. 1, 1 pm, with replay link
Hear how her journey allowed her to break assumptions and forge a more successful path for neurodiverse individuals.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/temple-grandin-autism-spectrum-disorder-neurodiversity/?
Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Summer Picnic
Fri. Aug. 4, 5:00-7:30 pm, VanDyke Park, Fairfax
Join a service activity followed by a cooked picnic dinner and activities for kids, youths, and adults.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-family-summer-picnic-and-service-event-tickets-642609070027
Family Engagement Summit.
Aug. 5, 8:00 am-3:30 pm
Gain practical tools and strategies that can be implemented to improve outcomes for all students.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-family-engagement-summit-registration-622522269867
Co-Parenting After Divorce: How to Manage ADHD Consistently Across Households
Tue. Aug. 8,1 pm, with replay link
Consider how cooperation and consistency is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms amid transitions between two homes.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/coparenting-divorce-adhd-across-households/?
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Aug. 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the benefits of high expectations, what are measurable goals, and why monitoring progress is so important.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_54RqO9rLRzGcyzqVMmPKAg#/registration
ABCs of Behavior
Wed. Aug. 16, 6:30-7:30 pm
Gain strategies to address unwanted behavior and an understanding of functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LKI2SbzDTIig-mQHABuqWw#/registration
Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Thu. Aug. 17, 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance and advice from an attorney on special education topics.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#stress
Avoiding & Recovering from 2e Burnout: Support for Gifted Students
Thu. Aug. 17, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn how to recognize signs of stress in twice exceptional students, and create systems that support your child’s success.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/signs-of-burnout-twice-exceptional-2e-students-adhd/
Unlocking the Future of ADHD: Advances in Research, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Wed. Aug. 23, 1 pm, with replay link
Consider current research on causes and subtypes of ADHD, and on promising therapies to retrain the brain for weaknesses.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/what-causes-adhd-advances-research-diagnosis-treatment/
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. Aug. 23, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn what to expect at an IEP meeting, how to prepare for it, and how to work together afterwards to support your student.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_54RqO9rLRzGcyzqVMmPKAg#/registration
IEP University (IEPU)— Self-Paced Course ~ 6 hours
Mon. Aug. 28, to Sun. Sep.17 with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Register:: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iep-university-iepu-registration-660519701207?aff=oddtdtcreator
Starting the School Year Strong: Strategies for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Families
Tue. Aug. 29, 7-8 pm
This talk will focus on the unique challenges faced by formed families starting school and strategies to solve them.
Ongoing and On Demand
Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563
Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs. Scholarship: https://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
NAMI Basics
This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).
Register: https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand
Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course
This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, homework, learning differences, and more.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-school-master-class-ceus-teachers-parents/?
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs. Scholarship: https://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm $50-$90
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149
Access: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/2dayjan22
The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.
Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available
Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
Fairfax County Community Connect
https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
Community Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected.
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the monthly, 9:30-11:00 am at 131 Elden St. #302, Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
- West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at: